Strategy to Capture That Scum Gong

Chapter Ch173.2 - The Serious Consequences of Lying (2)

Translated by Eve

Edited by Serefina

16. The Serious Consequences of Lying (2)

Just as he was waiting for death, the door was suddenly kicked open! Xiao Yan’s large frame appeared at the door. The hair hanging in front of his forehead was disheveled. It was obvious that he had rushed back. As soon as he entered, he saw that Xie He had been tied up and was about to be hung. His eyes nearly popped out of his skull in anger. He strode over and kicked the momo away, pulling Xie He into his arms. As soon as he had found out, he had rushed over. Luckily, he had made it in time.

What would he have done if he hadn’t made it in time? As soon as Xiao Yan thought of this possibility, his hands began to shake. He told Xie He, “It’s fine now. Don’t be afraid....”

Xiao Yan quietly comforted Xie He while undoing his binds.

Imperial Consort Rong had been stunned from this sudden development. Right now, seeing Xiao Yan ignore her and focus on saving the courtesan, she was so angered that her chest heaved. She angrily shouted, “What are you doing?!”

Xiao Yan stood in front of Xie He, shielding him. He stood up straight, facing Imperial Consort Rong. “Mufei, you should not have touched him.”

Imperial Consort Rong grew even angrier upon hearing this. She scolded, “It’s all because you’re confused! You’ve never made me worry before, but now you’re ignoring the bigger picture for this lowly prostitute. Have you gone crazy? If you won’t get rid of him, Bengong shall do it for you!”

Xiao Yan’s jaw was tight. He stared straight at Imperial Consort Rong, expression steady. His eyes were slightly cold. “Mufei, we should talk outside.”

Imperial Consort Rong covered her chest, returning his gaze with a frosty one of her own. “Why?”

Xiao Yan slowly said, “Erchen has promised before that no one shall ever bully him again. Not even you. Therefore, let us speak outside. Don’t frighten him.”

Imperial Consort Rong’s face flushed with rage. She stared at Xiao Yan, incredulous. She landed a heavy slap against his face!

Xiao Yan’s face flung to the side. He slowly turned his head back, no expression on his face. He took an intimidating step forward, eyes dark. He said, “You cannot kill him nor can you stop Erchen. Rather than sulk here, why not listen to Erchen’s explanation?”

As he said this, he grabbed hold of Imperial Consort Rong’s wrist and forcefully dragged her out.

Xiao Yan pulled Imperial Consort Rong into his study and said, “You’re taking too big of a risk, coming over here today. Does Emperor Father know about this?”

Imperial Consort Rong looked at Xiao Yan with disappointment in her eyes. “If it wasn’t because you’ve been acting so preposterously, would Bengong risk coming here? How can you wed him?! Duke Wei Guo’s Di daughter is of noble birth. Bengong has long since picked her to become your princess-consort! With Duke Wei Guo’s help, your position as Emperor will be more stable!”

Xiao Yan left no room for compromise in his tone. “Erchen will not marry her. Erchen’s princess-consort can only be Cui Ning.”

Imperial Consort Rong spoke in a frosty tone, “He’s a man! And he’s worked in a brothel! His background is humble—how can he be your princess-consort?!”

Xiao Yan laughed. “Erchen’s decision cannot be changed. If you’re worried about the throne, don’t be. Erchen is not so incapable that Erchen needs to rely on my princess-consort to seize the throne.”

Imperial Consort Rong knew her son well. Hearing him speak like this, she knew that she had no way of changing his mind. However, she still couldn’t believe it. Her ruthless son, who had always been calm and rational, who was an expert in weighing the pros and cons of every action, had actually done something impulsive, something that had nothing to do with profit! She really could not tolerate Cui Ning becoming his princess-consort. She said, unresigned, “Since it’s like this, it’s not like Bengong can’t let him off. If you really like him, you can accept him into your harem. When you ascend the throne, you can make him your concubine and spoil him. But he absolutely cannot be your princess-consort!”

Xiao Yan was unmoved. “Mufei, there’s nothing left to discuss.”

Imperial Consort Rong was infuriated and disappointed. She knew that the other would not bend with force. Therefore, she adopted a softer approach. She pleaded, “Yan er, it had been so difficut for you to get here. Many people are waiting for you to make a mistake so they can kick you down when you fall.... Even if you don’t care about yourself, think of your Mufei. What will your followers think? A single mistake can ruin everything.”

Xiao Yan sighed softly, seeing Imperial Consort Rong’s stance soften. “Erchen knows what Erchen is doing. Mufei need not say anything more.”

After saying this, he opened the door and persuaded, “You cannot be away from the palace for long. You should return quickly.”

Imperial Consort Rong was still unresigned. Her son did not want to submit to her but she had no choice but to leave. She bore deep into Xiao Yan’s eyes and grit her teeth. “You better think it over properly. Do not do something you will regret.”

Xiao Yan just smiled. He had already done things he regretted. This was the first time he knew that he would not regret what he would do.

Xie He had not moved from where he had gotten up. Everything had happened so suddenly and the ending had come so abruptly. In the end, what appeared before his eyes was the scene of Xiao Yan standing in front of him, protecting him with his tall figure. Xiao Yan had been slapped by Imperial Consort Rong, but he had not been willing to step down. He had been as immovable as a mountain....

He said that he had promised...never to let anyone bully Xie He again, and that included his own mufei....

Xie He heard steady steps approach the door. He slowly looked up, eyes teary.

Xiao Yan entered and spoke with concern and apology in his voice. “I’m sorry that you had to suffer through that. I promise that this will never happen again. You do not need to worry about Mufei. I’ve already persuaded her to accept it.”

Xie He didn’t respond. He raised his hand, in a daze, and covered Xiao Yan’s cheek. There was a faint red mark on his face. Imperial Consort Rong had slapped him very hard.

Xiao Yan felt Xie He’s small hand cup his face and his eyes softened. He smiled. “It’s nothing. It’ll be better very soon.”

Xie He’s lips trembled. A long time later, he very quietly asked, “Why must you go so far...?”

Xiao Yan smiled, speaking in a tone that conveyed that he thought that it was only natural. “You are my princess-consort. I should obviously protect you. If I can’t even protect the person I love, well wouldn’t I be too much of a good-for-nothing?”

Xie He choked. “But I....”

Xiao Yan said, “I know that I’m extremely selfish and I’m forcing you to stay without any regard for your feelings...but my vow to you will never change. I will make you the most respected person beneath the skies. I will ensure that no one under the Heavens will ever demean you. I will protect you and love you.”

Silent tears fell down Xie He’s cheeks. He could not speak.

Why was this person so adamant over him? Was he really worth it? He was willing to publicly marry him. Who would acknowledge a princess-consort like him? Even more, an Empress like him...?

Xiao Yan cupped Xie He’s face, planting a soft kiss on his lips. There was an unwavering determination in his heart as he held the person he loved.

Back then, I had so easily abandoned you for the sake of having this nation.

This time, even if the nation turns against me, I will not abandon you again. Nothing is worth more to me than you, not even the throne. Everything that I want, I shall hold in my hand.

【Ding, the target Xiao Yan’s Favourability Value +1. The current Favourability Value is 98.】

....................................

【Xie He：It’s already at 98. It’s almost time to leave. It’s so boring, not having a sex life. Who said that you can only sleep together once you’re married? Hehe.】

【444：......】

【Xie He：He used to be so impressive but he’s become so conservative now. XiaoXiao’s future doesn’t look very bright if he keeps this up.】

【444：O(∩_∩)O~ Then what do you plan on doing? 】

【Xie He：It’s time to freshen things up in our relationship. There are no lies that can be kept forever.】

【444：What lies, ah? _(:зゝ∠)_】

【Xie He：Oh, Baby, how’s Xiao Song doing these days?】

【444：Still the same. He’s just a bit depressed. (⊙v⊙)】

【Xie He：I hope that the Crown Prince can put in some extra effort and not make me wait too long. 🙂 】

【444：Wait for what? 】

【Xie He：Nothing. If you don’t want to use your brain, you can go shopping. 🙂 】

【444：......】

Xiao Yan wholeheartedly prepared for their grand wedding. Although Xie He did not take initiative to help, he didn’t seem opposed. Xiao Yan had given up so much for him and had wiped his father’s name clean. What could he say when the other had done him such a big favour?

It was just that he couldn’t let go of Song Heng. Therefore, he could not be Xiao Yan’s princess-consort with an easy heart.

Actually, even if Xiao Yan had let him leave the wangfu, he would probably not be able to be with Song Heng. Even though he was no longer a courtesan, everyone in the Capital knew of his filthy past. Many of the people in the Capital had also been his clients once. He had been destined to never be able to openly be with Song Heng from the start. He would only have been a stain on Song Heng’s reputation. Nevertheless, he didn’t want to stay here....

But in any case, he had no choice now.

Xie He was very busy during these last few days. Every day, all sorts of silks and precious treasures were brought for his examination. All of this had been prepared by Xiao Yan for their wedding. He said that everything had to be to Xie He’s liking. Unfortunately, Xie He had no interest in these things.

Today, he was looking over these things as usual, a bit absentmindedly, when someone told him that Qi Qing had requested an audience with him.

Since they had parted that day, Xie He had not seen Qi Qing again. He hesitated for a moment before allowing Qi Qing in.

Qi Qing had not come alone. Behind him was one of his servants whose face Xie He could not see, as the servant’s head was lowered. Xie He didn’t pay that servant any attention and asked in a soft voice, “Qi daren, what is the matter?”

Qi Qing’s expression was complex. He paused and then said, “Someone wants to see you.”

Xie He was baffled. He asked, “Who?”

At this moment, the unremarkable servant behind Qi Qing raised his head, revealing a slightly disguised face. A clear voice came out from him. “Xiao Ning, I wanted to see you.”

When Xie He heard this voice, the object in his hand fell to the ground and he stared at Song Heng in disbelief.

Qi Qing had paced back and forth outside of Song Heng’s door for the last several days. When he thought of how this was the person Xie He loved, he decided to take the risk and bring Song Heng in. When he saw Xie He’s agitated appearance, he thought that perhaps they had something to discuss, so he withdrew and guarded outside.

Xie He had never thought that he would be able to see Song Heng again. The emotions in his eyes flickered. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Song Heng examined Xie He. Because of Xiao Yan’s meticulous care, Xie He’s complexion seemed good. His gentle and gorgeous face had been slightly made up, further enhancing his outstanding beauty. His clothing was obviously expensive and made for nobles. Before him were boxes of treasures. It looked like Xiao Yan had prepared this for him. All of this...were things Song Heng could not give Xie He.

“You are going to be Prince Su’s princess-consort, aren’t you?” Song Heng’s expression was that of utter pain when he looked at Xie He.

Upon hearing this question, Xie He’s eyes dimmed. Although he was not doing this voluntarily, he was still too ashamed to face Song Heng. It was like he was doing something shameful.... He was silent for a while and then said, “Yes.”

In any case, this could not be changed. Why give Song Heng hope? He would just let the other think he was a vain courtesan that craved power.

Seeing that Xie He had no intention of explaining things, Song Heng’s tone became angry and frantic. “How can you be his princess-consort?!”

Xie He smiled, self-deprecatingly. Yes, ah. Everyone thought him unfit to be Xiao Yan’s princess-consort.... He didn’t want to be the princess-consort, but there were many things in this world that would not happen as one wished. Otherwise, why would there be so many regrets?

Xie He looked at Song Heng and sighed. “Daren, you need not come here again.”

Since he was to become Xiao Yan’s princess-consort, he could not be caught in ambiguous situations with other people. Even if he still cared about the other, he had no choice but to let go. He could not do anything shameful. He could not give others reason to call him vulgar and lustful.

Song Heng couldn’t stop himself from advancing forward and grabbing Xie He’s wrist. He shouted, “I know that he’s forcing you! He’s despicable and shameless. Back then, he caused your family’s ruin and now he’s forcing you to marry him! It is fortunate that you’re his saviour at least! Imagine what he’d do if you weren’t?!”

Xie He was shocked. “H-how did you know I saved him in the past? What do you mean by saying he caused my family’s ruin?”

Song Heng thought of the information he had received and was furious. He knew of Cui Shao’s redress. However, very few people knew the real reason Cui Shao had been harmed. But Song Heng had found out accidentally. It had turned out that, back then, the Crown Prince had killed Cui Shao in a fit of rage because Cui Ning had saved Xiao Yan! Xiao Yan was his indirect murderer! It was he who had caused Cui Ning’s life to be so miserable. And yet, he had hidden the truth from Cui Ning and was now forcing him to marry him!

Song Heng looked straight into Xie He’s eyes and gnashed his teeth. “Did he ever tell you why Cui daren had been made into a scapegoat back then?”

Pain emerged in Xie He’s eyes. “Because my father was unwilling to participate in corruption.”

Song Heng sneered. “Heh, I just knew he had not dared to tell you! That’s not the reason. The real reason is that you saved him. The Crown Prince noticed that you had taken his jade pendant home and thought that your father had sided with Prince Su. That’s why he killed your father! If it weren’t for that jade pendant, nothing would have happened to your father!”

Xie He’s expression changed drastically. He suddenly stood up, voice shaking. “Where did you hear that? That’s impossible!”

It couldn’t be that he had been the reason for his father’s death? He....

Song Heng knew that Xie He would find it very difficult to accept this. However, he could not watch as Xie He was fooled by Xiao Yan. Today, he had to speak the truth! He said, “Although this has not been announced to the public, there is a record of this in the judicial office. Someone from the Crown Prince’s side had personally admitted this. It cannot be false!

“Furthermore, he had known that Bai Qiuchi had been the true traitor back then. However, he had purposely tortured you for the sake of misleading the Crown Prince. He had watched as you had been wrongly accused. How can you marry such a fickle, coldhearted person?!”

Xie He’s eyes glazed over and he muttered, “This is impossible....”

Song Heng was frantic. “I’m not lying to you. Carefully think it over. When you had taken the pendant back home, had anyone else seen it? Furthermore, don’t you think that it’s too much of a coincidence for something to happen to your father just days after?”

Song Heng still wanted to say more but Qi Qing pushed the door open and said, “We should leave. His Highness will be back soon.”

Xie He stood in place, dazed. He suddenly turned to Qi Qing and asked in a trembling voice, “Did...you also know about this?”

Qi Qing had heard a bit of their conversation outside. He didn’t think that Song Heng would tell Xie He these things. But he had been too late to stop him. He hadn’t wanted to stop him either.... This matter could not be hidden forever anyway. Rather than see Xie He be in pain and remorse when the time comes in the future, they might as well tell him now and let him make his choice.

Qi Qing slowly nodded. “Yes.”

When Xie He heard this, he could not stand steadily. He slumped down into his chair, face deathly pale.

Qi Qing had taken a big risk by letting Song Heng in like this. They could not stay long. Very quickly, he led Song Heng out.

..............................

When Xiao Yan returned, he heard that Qi Qing had gone to see Xie He and began to feel slightly nervous. He had promised to respect Xie He and therefore would not prevent him from seeing anyone he wanted to see. As long as Xie He kept in mind that he was Xiao Yan’s, he would not stop Xie He from meeting with Qi Qing.

Xiao Yan walked over to Xie He and glanced at the box in front of the other. He smiled as gently as always. “Are you content with these?”

Xie He didn’t reply. He stroked the jade pendant Xiao Yan had gifted him, eyes very still. After some time, he quietly asked, “Why did the Crown Prince kill my father?”

Xiao Yan was on guard. When he heard this, he understood what Qi Qing had said today. His heart sank lower and lower. Slowly, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Xie He looked up at him, gaze icy cold. “Why don’t you answer my question?”

Xiao Yan understood that Xie He knew, looking into the other’s eyes. From head to toe, everything had frozen over. What he had done his best to conceal had still managed to be exposed. Qi Qing had betrayed him.

Xiao Yan’s voice was tart. “Ning er....”

Xie He knew that there was no use hoping for it to be false when he saw Xiao Yan’s expression.

He shut his eyes and recalled the day he had brought the jade pendant home. The next day, they had a visitor. The fourth day, when he came back home, he found his parents, both dead, having hung themselves. He had stared at the cold corpses of his most beloved mother and father and had cried so hard. He had been in so much pain he had wanted to die. But at that moment, what he had not realized was that it had just been the beginning of his tragic life.... From then on, he was dubbed the son of a guilty official, was sold to the brothels, and was f*cked by countless men. His life had become the most degenerate of existences.

In a single night, his family had been ruined and he had been forever changed.

All because he had brought back a jade pendant he should have never taken home.

This was all his fault. He could never forgive himself.

Xie He opened his eyes and threw the pendant to the floor, smashing it to pieces. He stared Xiao Yan dead in the eye and clearly stated, “What I regret most is having saved you.”

Eve: Two more chapters~ We’re getting so close to the end.

sere: oofie that last line tho